A GROUP of MPs calling for the revival of plans to extend the Metrolink tram system - and boost Bolton's own transport network - were celebrating a minor victory today.

The Prime Minister has taken the "unprecedented" step of allowing Keith Bradley, the leader the House of Commons' Back on Track campaign, to join talks between the Government and the region's transport bosses over the abandoned proposals.

Bolton South-east MP, Brian Iddon, and David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, emerged from a meeting with Tony Blair and the group yesterday hopeful a solution could be found.

Proposals to extend the Metrolink to Ashton, Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Manchester Airport were dropped earlier this year after the £500 million costs soared closer to £1 billion.

The move also threw Bolton's transport projects into chaos as it signalled the end of an £18 million funding package for the borough, compensating it for missing on the network expansion.

Without it, major schemes such as a new bus and rail interchange and the transformation of Churchgate into an arts and festival quarter might never see the light of day.

Mr Crausby believes Phase Three of the Metrolink scheme could still get the go-ahead if costs are forced down.

He said: "It was a productive meeting and the main thing is that Tony Blair appears to back the extended use of light rail.

"This is a tough process but we feel we have taken a step forward."

The meeting was attended by 21 of the region's 25 MPs yesterday, nearly one week after they sat down for talks with Transport Secretary Alistair Darling.

Dr Iddon said: "There is a big hurdle in front of us but I am hopeful we can make the breakthrough.

"If we can drive down the risk to the private sector it might still go ahead."